Strawberry, Blueberry and Granola Parfait

Strawberry, Blueberry and Granola Parfait

Summer is upon us…and that means an abundance of berries! 

A lovely healthy treat in the afternoon is a perfect way to relax without eating something that will make us guilty hours or minutes later.

Granola Parfait

Here is a simple greek yogurt dish for that afternoon snack craving.

Ingredients:

Greek yogurt (any flavor)

Sliced strawberries

Blueberries

drizzle of honey

Any kind of granola

Method:

Layer the ingredients any way you like and top with a drizzle of honey and granola. Sprinkle with chia seeds for an extra boost of protein and fiber.

Smooth Moves !!!

Smooth Moves !!!

Its summer and now is the time to cool your body with these healthy albeit delicious smoothies.

Summer Smoothies

Summer Smoothies

Watermelon Smoothie

Smoothies are a good substitute for snacking and are a dieter’s best friend. Watermelon is one of the best diet fruits, being light and absolutely yummy.

6-8 watermelon cubes

½ cup ice

1 cup milk

1 scoop lemon sorbet

Depending on your diet, you can adjust the ingredients of your smoothie to suit your needs. The milk can be replaced with soymilk or low fat milk. The lemon sorbet gives the drink the perfect sweet and tangy taste. Put all the ingredients together and blend till the mixture is smooth, then serve.

Watermelon Smoothie

Watermelon Smoothie

 

Sweet Basil Smoothie

Refreshing drinks aren’t only restricted to fruity ones. This delightful recipe can be made with basil leaves and lemon syrup as the chief flavors = a welcome change from the typical smoothies.

300 ml plain yoghurt

1 handful of basil leaves

350 ml lemon juice

Handful of ice

Put all the ingredients in the blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and Continue reading “Smooth Moves !!!” »

Top 5 Oils for Hair Care !!!

Top 5 Oils for Hair Care !!!

HAIRCARE

Oiling is the best way to nurture your hair and essential oils work wonders! They can be of great benefit to your hair, be it by warding off dandruff, treating dry scalp or restoring the moisture content. Although there a zillion oils you can choose from, it is always better to start off with the basics.

Lemon Oil

Lemon oil is best for dry, surly hair as it stimulates the oil glands to secrete more oil, making the hair look healthy, lustrous and strong.

How to use: Heat some lemon oil and mix equal portions of coconut or olive oil. Now massage gently and rinse off.

Lemon Oil for smooth texture

Lemon Oil for smooth texture

 

Sage Oil

Hormonal balance is crucial for hair growth and sage oil is known to balance the estrogen levels in the scalp, particularly among women. A traditional tropical treatment for graying hair, the herb may also help in promoting new hair growth. Its antibiotic and antiseptic properties make it an excellent option for strengthening the scalp. Apart from this it is also rich in magnesium, zinc, potassium, and vitamins B and C.

How to use: You can use sage oil as a hair rinse. Wash and rinse your hair as usual, and then pour this sage oil over your scalp as a final rinse. You could also massage the oil into the problematic areas on your scalp to reduce thinning and balding.

Sage Oil for treating hair loss and acne

Sage Oil for treating hair loss and acne

 

Moroccan Oil

From treating split ends to keeping dandruff at bay and strengthening the roots, Moroccan oil boasts to be the ultimate solution for all your hair woes. Moroccan oil takes hold of frizz and leaves your hair sleek and healthy looking. One of the expensive oils, Moroccan oil has all the Continue reading “Top 5 Oils for Hair Care !!!” »

Essential Oils for Beauty and Wellness

Essential Oils for Beauty and Wellness

We all love oil massages and aroma therapies, but it is essential that we choose the right oil. From skincare to foot and hair issues, essential oils are a quick fix for almost all your physical and mental woes. Aromatic oils not only rejuvenate your skin and hair, they revive the senses and refresh the body.

Hectic lifestyle and culture can get to you at some point, leading to increased stress and tension. With odd working hours, there are changes not only in the timing, but also in the metabolic rate because the body is technically working against a specific routine. It is time to take care and resort to some easy ways to unwind and relax!

Essential oils can be the best, be it for beauty or wellness. They instantly rejuvenate your body and mind, leaving you fresh and replenished. Unlike other oils, essential oils have specific properties that provide the body the true medicinal value of the plant.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy

 

SKINCARE

Skin can be one of the most sensitive parts in the human anatomy. From acne and dryness to pigmentation, dullness and pimples, there are a lot of problems you have to fight daily. Pricey cosmetics don’t really make a difference in the long run. Different types of skins have different requirements. It is very important to know the skin type well in order to decide on the suitable oil.

 

 Bergamot

A native of Italy, this aromatic oil is enriched with antiviral properties, helping you ward off ugly pimples, fight oily skin and keep bacteria at bay. The oil has an aroma that is rich, fresh, exotic and therapeutic, relieving stress and anxiety.

How to use: Mix a few drops with your regular massage oil or top up your everyday moisturizer with a dash of bergamot oil. Mix well and test the aroma until it reaches the desired level and then gently massage into the skin in circular motion. You could also add few drops of the oil to warm water and soak yourself in the aroma.

Bergamot oil

Bergamot oil

 

Tea Tree Oil

The anti-fungal property of the oil lets it penetrate deep into the skin, unblocking the sebaceous ducts, disinfecting the pore and drying out whiteheads, blackheads and other problematic pimples. It is also a good remedy for sun burns.

How to use:

For sunburns: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with almond, vitamin-E or avocado oil and gently rub Continue reading “Essential Oils for Beauty and Wellness” »

Summer Style for the Senor !

Summer Style for the Senor !

It is officially the season for upping your style game. Be the dapper gentleman you have always wanted to be by stocking up with these sweltering summer necessities.

AVIATORS

It’s a scorching summer again and what better time than now to whip out those cools sunglasses. There are different styles and frames that circle the fashion radar, but no pair is as cool as the aviator. These metal-rimmed sunnies ooze that cool-dude appeal that everyone wants.

Classic pair of aviators never goes out of style.

Classic pair of aviators never goes out of style.

CHEERFUL TIE

This weather might drain you out, but that is still no excuse to shy away from sporting formal clothes. Remember, your boardroom meetings require you to be at your dapper best. Pair a lightweight suit with an equally lightweight cotton tie.

BRIGHT SWIMWEAR

Who said festive colors are meant only for the ladies? There is nothing sexier than a man who can exude sex appeal in a pair of bright swimming trunks. The lively colors and the bold prints will definitely make a few heads turn. Don’t forget to take a dunk in the pool while wallowing in all the attention.

Do: Make sure your trunks come up to your mid-thigh and no longer.

Don’t: Please wear those speedos unless you have the physique of an athlete.

 

THE BOAT SHOE

This 30’s crowning jewel has found its way back into the realm of fashionable footwear – yes, the boat shoe is back. You don’t have to be the blue-blooded sailor anymore to carry off this yacht staple; thanks to brands like Sebago and Timberland, it is now at the top of every gentleman’s “it” list. Ditch the whites and browns and pick something sprightly like tri-tone colors, neon soles or stripped patterns.

Do: Team them with a pair of knee-length shorts or fitted jeans.

Don’t: Never ever wear them with socks.

Boat Shoes

Boat Shoes

 

70’s RINGER TEE

One of the best things about summer is that it gives you a chance to relive your favorite era of fashion. The retro singer tee is perfect for this weather. The single solid color with Continue reading “Summer Style for the Senor !” »

Hawker Stalls in Bangkok

Hawker Stalls in Bangkok

Once you understand how the five key flavors (sweet, salty, sour, bitter and spicy) work together in Thai cooking, you can create authentic dishes that pack a powerful punch. Thai cooking is an art form. The key to perfecting the dishes is attaining a delicate balance of flavors, which only comes after years of practice and tasting. You need to understand each ingredient and marry them together. Once you achieve this, your food is guaranteed to transport you to the hawker stalls in a sunny Bangkok street market.

hawker stalls

hawker stalls

Broccoli and bok choy phad

Serves 4; 20 minutes (Easy to make)

This garlicky stir-fried broccoli and bok choy dish is easy to toss together. You can use other vegetables such as baby corn or Chinese cabbage as well.

brocolli bok choy

brocolli bok choy

Oil 4tbsp

Garlic cloves 1 heaped tbsp, chopped

Red chili paste 1tbsp

Yellow bean paste 2 tbsp

Broccoli 400g, cut into florets and blanched

Bok choy 100g, washed and drained

Sugar a large pinch

Basil 6-8 leaves

Chili vinegar 2 tsp

Jasmine rice to serve, steamed

Salt ½ tsp

Heat the oil in a wok, add the chopped garlic and sauté well for about 30 seconds, until light golden. Add the chili paste and yellow bean paste and sauté further for 1 minute. Add 2 tbsp water. Stir in the blanched broccoli florets, bok choy and sugar and sauté for about 3 minutes until everything is well combined Continue reading “Hawker Stalls in Bangkok” »

Bold Flavors of Thai !

Bold Flavors of Thai !

Turn up the heat and surrender to the mouth watering flavors of Thai cooking with this cracking menu that combines the best of sweet, sour, hot and salty.

Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)

Serves 4; 20 minutes

Moderately easy

Som tam is a spicy salad made with unripe papaya. The key flavors come from the sour lime, hot chili, salty fish sauce and sweet palm sugar. Traditionally the ingredients are pounded in a mortar but you can process them separately and toss together in a salad bowl as well.

green papaya salad

green papaya salad

Dark green papaya 400g, shredded and chilled

Garlic cloves 6, peeled

Green bird’s eye chilies 6

Long beans 40g, chopped and blanched

Palm sugar 40g + extra to taste

Dark soya sauce 1tbsp

Lemon juice 2 tsp + extra to taste

Fish sauce 1 tbsp

Cherry tomatoes 8, slightly sour

Peanuts 30g, dry-roasted and crushed

Put the papaya in a colander and pass it through running water, then drain.

In a mortar, roughly pound the garlic and the chilies with a pestle. Add the chopped beans and pound until crushed. Add the palm sugar, soya sauce, lemon juice and fish sauce and stir well. Add the tomatoes and press gently with the pestle. Add the peanuts and the papaya and stir until Continue reading “Bold Flavors of Thai !” »

French Beans – The Healthy Ingredient!

French Beans – The Healthy Ingredient!

A household staple, French beans are uber versatile and easy to cook with. Turns out, these slender veggies are nutritional heavyweights too!

For the most part, the French bean has been a backstage vegetable – one that is available all year round and can be steamed, barbecued, marinated and pan-fried – all at a moment’s notice. But this understated yet versatile vegetable has several health surprises to offer. Crunchy cooked green beans naturally improve heart health, prevent colds and boost energy by being rich storehouses of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamins of the b complex group and iron. (Antioxidants and vitamins help people combat infection on a day-to-day basis). More importantly, French beans and other green beans also contain significant quantities of some lesser known nutrients such as manganese and molybdenum, which play a vital role in enhancing enzyme activity.

French Bean salad - a treat for your eye and stomach (using chevril and ground pepper )

French Bean salad – a treat for your eye and stomach (using chevril and ground pepper )

Build and Repair

Some of the powerful antioxidants contained in green beans belong to the carotenoid family. Carotenoids are responsible for the orange of red-orange pigments found in food such as tomatoes and carrots. However, in French beans, the chlorophyll that gives them their bright green color also keeps the red pigments from being visible. Much like other foods rich in carotenoids, French beans also prevent blood fats from getting oxidized. (When LDL or bad cholesterol comes in contact with harmful radicals, it becomes oxidized. Oxidized fat gives rise to inflammation, damages healthy tissue and also deposits as plaque in blood vessels).

french beans with onions

french beans with onions

 

In addition the vitamin K present in French beans promotes healing and strengthens connective tissue. Since French beans contain significant amount of the vitamin folate, they also improve the health of pregnant women and help prevent fetal birth defects. Recent studies have shown that the silicon in French beans is better absorbed by the body than silicon from other sources. This mineral nutrient is essential for bone health. Being high in dietary fiber, green beans also go a long way towards preventing type 2 diabetes. Fiber slows down the absorption of blood glucose, thereby improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Store Them Right

Pick French beans that are lush green, tender, quick to snap and not dehydrated to the touch. Clean them in a solution of 1:10 of vinegar to water before cooking. Clean them before chopping to prevent the wastage of water-soluble nutrients such as vitamin C and those of the b complex group. Store raw beans in a perforated plastic bag in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. French beans pair well with other vegetables and are just as easily prepared in a crock pot, Moroccan tagine or a vegetable kadhai. No matter how you eat them, you can be sure you have made a healthy and nutritious choice.

Pan Seared French Beans

Pan Seared French Beans

 

Bright Idea: You can steam green beans lightly (for two or three minutes) and store them in the freezer for up to three months – the loss of nutrients will be minimal.

Gourmet Home Caterers !

Gourmet Home Caterers !

Avant-Garde Cuisine

When you weren’t looking, home catering suddenly got a whole lot more professional. Pre-plated, molecular, French bistro style…you name it, they’ll do it! Breaking free from stodgy plating and uninspired menus, home caterers today are a cool new breed of culinary school graduates who’ve done their time in professional kitchens but prefer the flexibility that whipping up a feast an order has to offer. Encouraging more people to eat out at home are gourmet caterers and 2014 is likely to see a lot more chefs and customers opting for home catering, with a serving of modern gastronomy on the side.

Culinary Creation - Steak & Mushrooms

Culinary Creation – Steak & Mushrooms

Haute Cuisine - sea bass sitting on top of shaved slices of cucumbers is styled to perfection!

Haute Cuisine – sea bass sitting on top of shaved slices of cucumbers is styled to perfection!

Crispy Fish Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Serves 4; 40 minutes

We love fish tacos and this recipe with pineapple salsa uses basic ingredients to create a stunner of a dish.

Basa Fish 300g, diced Tempura flour 2-3 tbsp Oil 2 cups to Continue reading “Gourmet Home Caterers !” »

Kitchen Experiments beyond Baking….

Kitchen Experiments beyond Baking….

The internet, food television and access to equipment has opened up all-new vistas for the now-burgeoning bandwagon of people who are looking to do more than just skim the surface of conventional cooking. You can experiment with cultures and fermentation and end up making French cheeses like camembert and brie and also brew your own alcohol at home. Amateur setups too have started all over where home brewers meet every month to share their experiments with the yeasty brew. This quiet revolution will soon take kitchens across the world by storm and we couldn’t be happier.

Camembert Cheese

Camembert Cheese

Brie Cheese & Strawberries

Brie Cheese & Strawberries

Try this at home

Say cheese with this no fuss recipe for ricotta salata, a dry and salted ricotta. The younger the cheese, the saltier it is, but it blooms into a mellow treat as it ages. It is made with readily available citric acid powder rather than hard-to-find rennet.

Zucchini and Ricotta Salata Bruschetta

Zucchini and Ricotta Salata Bruschetta

Ricotta Salata Makes 300g; 1 hour + draining, curing and aging

Fresh pasteurized cow/s milk 3.5l, at room temperature Full-fat cream ½ cup (optional) Citric acid powder 1tsp Non-iodized salt 1tsp + 1tbsp + extra for salting

Combine the milk, cream (if using), citric acid powder and 1tsp salt and mix thoroughly using a whisk. Place in a large, non-reactive (stainless steel) pot over Continue reading “Kitchen Experiments beyond Baking….” »